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Identities of deputy and suspect released in fatal shooting

Published: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 11:51 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 11:51 p.m.

BRADENTON - The identities of a detective under investigation and a suspect fatally shot in Bradenton have been released.

Detective John Morningstar, a six-year veteran at the Bradenton Police Department, remains on routine paid administrative leave after firing a single shot Saturday afternoon that killed a kidnapping suspect.

Craig Devon Rodgers, 40, allegedly held his 37-year-old girlfriend captive for approximately 36 hours at a house near the intersection of 20th Street East and Third Avenue.

Police responded after the victim’s cousin from North Carolina called 911. The cousin received a text message with a photo of the victim’s battered face and information about the situation, according to police.

When police arrived about 2:15 p.m., a chase ensued.

“You’re going to have to kill me!” Rodgers reportedly yelled at the officer.

At one point, Rodgers allegedly armed himself with a metal pipe and threatened detectives. That’s when Morningstar fired the fatal shot in the backyard of a home in the 1800 block of Manatee Avenue East.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to investigate the incident.

Morningstar has “no remarkable use of force incidents, or disciplinary action in his personnel file,” according a news release issued Wednesday.

The last officer-involved deadly shooting in Bradenton was in August 2008.

Radzilowski said the department is working with Morningstar should he be cleared of any wrongdoing.

“We’re seeing to make sure he is physically and mentally fit before he comes back to duty,” he said.

Rodgers has a lengthy arrest record that dates back 15 years. Records show over the years he was arrested and charged with a variety of offenses, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, battery, possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.

<p><em>BRADENTON</em> - The identities of a detective under investigation and a suspect fatally shot in Bradenton have been released.</p><p>Detective John Morningstar, a six-year veteran at the Bradenton Police Department, remains on routine paid administrative leave after firing a single shot Saturday afternoon that killed a kidnapping suspect.</p><p>Craig Devon Rodgers, 40, allegedly held his 37-year-old girlfriend captive for approximately 36 hours at a house near the intersection of 20th Street East and Third Avenue. </p><p>Police responded after the victim's cousin from North Carolina called 911. The cousin received a text message with a photo of the victim's battered face and information about the situation, according to police.</p><p>When police arrived about 2:15 p.m., a chase ensued.</p><p>“You're going to have to kill me!” Rodgers reportedly yelled at the officer.</p><p>At one point, Rodgers allegedly armed himself with a metal pipe and threatened detectives. That's when Morningstar fired the fatal shot in the backyard of a home in the 1800 block of Manatee Avenue East.</p><p>The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to investigate the incident.</p><p>“With the limited information I have, it appears justified,” said Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski. “We won't know for sure until FDLE finishes the investigation.”</p><p>Morningstar has “no remarkable use of force incidents, or disciplinary action in his personnel file,” according a news release issued Wednesday.</p><p>The last officer-involved deadly shooting in Bradenton was in August 2008.</p><p>Radzilowski said the department is working with Morningstar should he be cleared of any wrongdoing.</p><p>“We're seeing to make sure he is physically and mentally fit before he comes back to duty,” he said.</p><p>Rodgers has a lengthy arrest record that dates back 15 years. Records show over the years he was arrested and charged with a variety of offenses, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, battery, possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.</p>